By Isabel Ovalle
DOHA: The number of cases treated at the oral and cranio-maxielofacial surgery department at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is around 18,000 a year, many of them related to trauma and tumours which cause deformities.
Dr Moustafa Al Khalil, Head of Oral and Cranio-Maxiolofacial Surgery, told The Peninsula that patients choose to be treated for different types of facial deformities, which can be acquired or hereditary, in Qatar, instead of doing so abroad.
The department was established 10 years ago and “is well recognised locally and regionally”, he said on the sidelines of a workshop on Craniofacial Deformity, Harvesting and Fat Grafting at HMC Education Centre yesterday.
Surgical cases which affect the oral and cranio-maxilofacial area are mostly caused by trauma or tumours. However, the number of deformities treated by the department caused by trauma has decreased, said Al Khalil adding: “Partially because of the reinforcement of traffic laws, because even though there are still accidents, they don’t cause damage to the head.”
The department is beginning to be internationally recognised with its professionals presenting their works in international conferences. Nevertheless, for Dr Al Khalil, “our best advertisement are our patients.”
“We are treating different kinds of deformities which were treated abroad before. Receiving this treatment abroad took a long time for preparation, surgery and recovery, also with higher costs,” he stated. Performing these procedures in Qatar has reduced costs, featuring “hundreds of successful cases,” he said, adding that HMC is now attracting patients from neighbouring countries.
The unit treats various types of cancers which cause head and neck deformities. For Dr Al Khalil, “prevalence of cancer has taken second place after cardiovascular diseases; given that year after year the percentage of tumours is increasing.” Linked to this is an increase in deformities which has also come with the increase of population.
To approach this and other issues, HMC has hosted a workshop for around 300 professionals, giving priority to its staff. The event was attended by lecturers such as Dr Kenneth E Salyer, recognised as a pioneer and leader in craniofacial surgery and founder of the International Craniofacial Institute, and Dr Sydney Coleman, “godfather of cleft surgery”.
The Peninsula
